Large-scale Mullet

A common and distinctive mullet found throughout the inshore Persian Gulf waters of the UAE. Schools of large-scale mullet are a familiar sight skimming the surface in harbours, mangrove channels, and beach shallows. An important baitfish species.

Species Stats

Diet

Algae, detritus, benthic microorganisms

Habitat

Coastal shallows, estuaries, mangroves, lagoons

Local Name (Arabic)

بياح كبير

Fun Facts

• 1

  Mullets are gizzard feeders — they swallow sand along with algae and use a muscular gizzard to grind their food.

• 2

  Highly tolerant of low oxygen and polluted water — often thriving in harbour environments.

• 3

  Juvenile mullets are crucial prey for predatory species like Barracuda, Queenfish, and Trevally.

Found In